Quarterback: A - Eli Manning gets the bigger numbers, but Drew Brees gets the big 'W'. He takes care of the ball and spreads it around like a Pop Warner game. Ready for a QB controversy? Brees' rating is 133; LaDainian Tomlinson, 158.

Running backs: A

Tomlinson proves again he's the NFL's best with three rushing touchdown and a TD pass. What's amazing is two games come to pass before Tomlinson becomes the focal point of the offense. Please don't overlook Lorenzo Neal's punishing blocking. Those Giants defenders rubbing their sore bodies won't.

Offensive linemen: A

Run-blocking is solid and Brees, who is never sacked, has time on passing downs. RG Mike Goff plays solid, and LG Kris Dielman, in his first NFL start, helps clear the way for Tomlinson's three scores. And is Michael Strahan on the trip? RT Shane Olivea handles the future Hall of Famer impressively.

Receivers: A

Keenan McCardell is like the oversized kid playing Little League ---- doubters want to see his birth certificate. But he really is 35, he just doesn't play like it with two more TDs. Antonio Gates finds the end zone for the first time this year and spits out 92 receiving yards. Six different Chargers have receptions.

Defensive line: B

A look at the stat sheet doesn't tell the story. The linebackers are able to pad their totals because of the hard-nosed work of Jamal Williams, Luis Castillo and Jacques Cesaire. Decent pressure on occasion, although no sacks from the guys with their hands on the ground.

Linebackers: B

Donnie Edwards has a sack and forces a fumble to go with his game-high 13 tackles. Steve Foley has a big hit and supplies energy along with three tackles. Randall Godfrey has five tackles and a pass defensed.

Secondary: C

It's hard to say this unit plays well when it allows 352 passing yards and two TDs with no interceptions. And while we're not saying that, the DBs show promise for the second straight week. Drayton Florence makes some big plays ---- he returns an interception return for a TD that is overturned by a penalty ---- and Sammy Davis nearly picks off a pass. Quentin Jammer is victimized for a big play and a big touchdown.

Special teams: B

Darren Sproles is this close to breaking a kickoff return for a score; he has 134 kickoff-return yards, with a long of 58. And the kickoff coverage did allow a 41-yard return. K Nate Kaeding nails a 44-yarder; Mike Scifres has a 50-yard punt.

Coaching: A

Marty Schottenheimer and Cam Cameron unleash the offense that was promised since training camp. The mixture of run-pass keeps the Giants off-balance; and the defense is of the bend-but-don't-break variety. We take our shots at the coaches in this space; today, they deserve some atta-boys.